The New Orleans Saints are considering all avenues of adding a veteran pass rusher. The team is discussing a trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire defensive end Robert Quinn, per multiple reports. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald first reported that the Saints and Dolphins were in talks, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed it. New Orleans previously hosted Detroit Lions pass rusher Ziggy Ansah on a free agent visit, but they held reservations surrounding his injured shoulder and did not reach a contract agreement.
Adding another pass rusher is a big concern for the Saints. Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport are projected to bookend the defensive line in 2019, but the departure of third wheel Alex Okafor to the Kansas City Chiefs created a void that nobody on the roster is ready to fill. The best teams rotate their pass rushers in waves, keeping everyone fresh. Rolling three-deep with Jordan, Davenport, and Quinn would be a great move.
However, the Saints were beaten to the punch by the Dallas Cowboys. Quinn is currently visiting the Cowboys’ campus before any decision is made with Miami, suggesting the Saints aren’t offering the most valuable trade package. Interestingly, neither the Saints nor the Cowboys have a first round draft pick to offer for Quinn in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Quinn is due an $11.8 million salary in 2019, but the Dolphins are reportedly willing to pay part of it to facilitate a trade — their ultimate goal is the acquisition of draft capital as they prepare to punt the upcoming season. With 6.5 sacks and 37 total pressures produced last year, Quinn would offer a serious upgrade to whichever team lands him.
